As he had done at her husband Keith's funeral in 2006, former prime minister John Howard paid his respects yesterday along with former governor-general Major-General Michael Jeffery, wife Marlene and a host of political, legal and community leaders.

Family and friends from the many community organisations with which Mrs Turbayne was involved heard of a determined, tireless, no-nonsense campaigner who knew how to get things done for the benefit of others.

Anthony Mannering told the gathering his grandmother had been many things to many people, not only a prominent member of dozens of societies and community groups, but a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who had overcome her humble beginnings as an orphan who had to contend with education far from her Yorkshire home.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times